ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Jane's access to books opened up a world of thought and knowledge
Established in 2025, the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation North American Friends promotes and supports the work of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
Founded by Caroline Jane Knight, the last of Jane Austen’s nieces to grow up at Chawton House on the family’s ancestral estate where Jane herself lived and wrote, the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation is a registered not for profit organisation run by volunteers. The Foundation connects a world-wide community of volunteers, donors and supporters who believe in the power of literacy.
We believe that literacy connects us to each other, to the world around us and to a world of imagination and possibilities.
In this post-Covid world, learners need more support than ever and we all have a role to play in closing the education and literacy gap. That is why our mission is to Connect Through Literacy.
JANE AUSTEN LITERACY FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES
Over 150 volunteers in 17 countries work as Literacy Mentors, raise funds or support the management and promotion of the Foundation's activities, programs and community engagement. No wages or expenses are paid to anyone. 100% of the donations received are spent on literacy programs and activities.
Community Events: Literacy and Austen events to connect our community, including Jane Austen Regency Week annually in Chawton
Literacy Mentors: Our team of over 50 Literacy Mentors, many of which are teachers and writers, read children's short stories and provide feedback, support and encouragement.
Writing Competition: Winning short stories are recorded as an audiobook by multi-award winning narrator, Alison Larkin, and published worldwide as a podcast, for all to hear.
Resources for Schools: A range of literacy ideas and resources for schools and teachers, including a student writing competition
Fundraising: Supporters around the world donate, attend events, buy personalised bookplates or sign up, download and host Jane Austen Tea for Literacy fundraising events.
Developing Communities: The Foundation has supported literacy programs in Syria, Ghana, India, remote Indigenous Australia and for Ukrainian refugees. The Foundation works with reputable charity partners, aligned with our goals, who develop and deliver age, language and culturally appropriate literacy programs.
CONNECT
You can connect through literacy with the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation by joining our global team of volunteers, participating in our literacy activities and donating to fund literacy programs for developing communities.
Subscribe to our journal Pride & Possibilities, at the bottom of the page, and connect with the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation on social media (links below) to keep up to date with our activities, programs and volunteer opportunities.
OUR BEGINNING
Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Est. 2014
The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation was founded by Caroline Jane Knight in 2014. Caroline is an award-winning businesswoman and author.
Caroline is also the 5th great niece of Jane Austen. 2013 marked the 200 year anniversary of Pride & Prejudice. The celebrations stretched globally from England to Australia and inspired Caroline to establish a charitable organisation to honour Jane's legacy and help communities in literacy crisis.